In this story, a wicked witch casts a spell on an old woman named Mombi, transforming her into a young girl. The transformation is meant to be temporary, but it becomes permanent when the witch's magic is broken by a magical powder. The young girl, who was once Mombi, grows up and eventually marries a man from a neighboring kingdom. However, she soon discovers that she has been transformed back into an old woman due to her own vanity and pride. Mombi's transformation serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of vanity and the importance of humility.
By L. Frank Baum · First published 1904 · Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Children's Literature